Real Wedding ~ Vanessa & Dorian

“We are both central valley kids who met in September of 2008 while we were away at collegein Santa Barbara,” says Vanessa. Vanessa’s college roommate and close friend was also a high school friend of Dorian’s. A FaceBook friend request led to posts that included their friends’ mini feeds, which led to texting.

Although they frequently hung out in social settings, Vanessa had turned down several of Dorian’s date requests. He finally lured her in with a bet, “I can get us a free pizza and pitcher of beer – it’s not a ‘date’ if I don’t spend money,” he said. Unable to resist a challenge and her favorite food and booze, she agreed. Not knowing that he had brought her to a spot where he had once worked, they walked in tofree pizza and pitcher of beer. After a second pitcher and some arcade gaming fun, he thanked her for finally going on a “date” with him.

After eight years of dating, the couple wed September 24, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oakdale, CA. Followed by an elegant outdoor reception on a private residence. “It was a truly special time for us,” said Vanessa. “As if it couldn’t get any better, we found out a month after our wedding that we were pregnant.”

A huge congratulations to Vanessa and Dorian as they welcomed their daughter, Stella Rae, on June 12, 2017.

“The specialty linen was key because it is aesthetically dominating to the eye, and was the “dress” of our party,” says Vanessa. “Alternating linen made a profound statement by mixing and matching thick, cream and tan stripes for the square tables and a classic elegant floral on the round.”

“The “must-haves” and inspiration all started with the tenting and draping, the alternating of round and square tables and chandeliers with amber up-lights in order to create a warm and love-filled ambiance. “A timeless elegance could only be achieved with neutral colors”, explains Vanessa. “So creams and tans with gold accents were the appropriate color fit.”

“Ultimately, the day was my Pinterest board dream come true,” explains Vanessa. “Personal details such as in the “ForeverLASSOed” hashtag, photo booth logo, place cards, personally made table numbers, and custom hotel totes that included snacks and special wedding favors were a must. It was the only way to personalize the day in a way that was special to both of us.”